MILITARY RESCUES 318 KIDNAP VICTIMS, ARRESTS 74 SUSPECTS IN NATIONWIDE OPERATIONS - DHQ

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Defence Headquarters on Thursday announced that troops deployed across the country rescued 318 kidnapped victims and arrested 74 suspects linked to terrorism, banditry, oil theft, and other criminal activities in November.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this during a briefing in Abuja, noting that 69 terrorists and their family members voluntarily surrendered to troops in the North-East during the same period.

“Accordingly, for the month of November, several terrorists, bandits, extremists and other criminal elements were arrested, scores were neutralised and over 69 of them and their family members surrendered, while 318 kidnapped victims were also rescued,” Onoja said.

He added that troops intensified efforts against oil theft, dismantling criminal networks and illegal refining operations across key hotspots.

“Troops intensified operations against oil theft, arresting 25 suspects, deactivating 16 illegal refining sites and recovering stolen petroleum products valued at N217,664,618,” he stated.

Recovered items included 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel).

Onoja commended troops for their sustained efforts and urged them to maintain operational momentum. He also appealed to the public to continue providing actionable intelligence to security forces.

“We continue to solicit the support of all Nigerians in this regard. We also call for support for the veterans by supporting the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem launched by Mr President on December 2, 2025,” he said.

On the ongoing search for recently abducted students, Onoja assured that the armed forces were working tirelessly to secure their release.

“The AFN wishes to inform all Nigerians that we are emplacing all necessary measures, systems and activities humanly possible to ensure that the remaining students recently abducted are rescued and returned to their families unhurt,” he said.

The rescue efforts come amid renewed public pressure on security agencies following several recent mass abductions across the country.